7 Things You Need to Know About Renewing Your Passport

[Last updated January 2016]

Have you checked your passport’s expiration date lately? With summer travel coming into full spring, you might want to do a quick double check well before your next trip. And if you do need to renew, as with most formal procedures, there are important rules to keep in mind. Here, six facts to brush up on to avoid having your travel plans derailed.

1. Mail renewal is best -- but it's not always available. The easiest way to renew a passport is via mail, since it only requires a trip to the post office. Simply print a form from the U.S. Department of State and paperclip your photo to the application, along with your old passport and a money order or check. The check must include your full name and date of birth.

That said, you may need to apply in person under a few circumstances: if you were younger than 16 when you received your last passport; if your current passport is damaged; or if you haven’t renewed in more than 15 years. Keep in mind that some post offices require an appointment for this service. "Passport acceptance facilities" where you can renew in person include post offices, libraries, and other offices -- but they might require appointments.

2. Beware of passport processing services. There are agencies that claim to renew your passport faster than the post office or an authorized agency, but this is likely untrue. The services, which are not associated with the government, have to go through the same processes of submitting that DS-82 form by mail or in person (see #4) just like you, and they also charge a fee. So you're essentially paying extra for someone to process the application. We suggest saving your money if you can carve out the time to handle it yourself.

3. Expedited passports can be costly (but possible). Frequent travelers loathe to turn in their passport because last-minute trips can arise. However, there are certain countries where you need at least six months' validity and/or four blank visa pages in order to visit. By mail, the basic turnaround is four to six weeks, with a $110 fee for adults. Need it faster? By mail, you can get it in three weeks or less for $170 -- plus extra costs for sending paperwork via express mail. You can opt to pay $14.95 to have the new passport delivered overnight once it's processed. An eight-business day turnaround is also possible for $170, but you must provide information that you’re traveling within two weeks. Important reminder: You must write “EXPEDITED” on your envelope or risk a delay.

4. True emergencies and same-day renewals can be handled. In last-minute situations, it is possible to get a new passport a day or even the same day, also for $170. Your best bet would be to make an appointment at a passport agency. They take walk-ins, too, but you can expect a wait. In a ", the Department of State asks travelers to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 during business hours, or 202-647-4000 after 5 p.m. EST, weekends, and holidays.